Share this with

Within the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius sits Užupis, a quirky, bohemian neighbourhood home to students, artists and – believe it or not – its own border for one day each year.

You’d be mistaken to think that this is just your average hipster neighbourhood.

But how many of those do you know that are officially and legally an independent republic with their own currency, four seasonal flags, a national anthem and a constitution?

Welcome to Užupis. We think you’ll like it here.

(Picture: Getty)

For those who don’t know, Vilnius boasts a population just shy of 600,000 people – a large proportion of which are students, young professionals and entrepreneurs.

One of the youngest cities in Europe, Vilnius is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its affordable prices.

Coupled with low fare airlines opening up more routes to and from the UK, it’s safe to say that the Lithuanian capital is benefitting from a bit of a tourism boost.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The centrepiece of Vilnius is its medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, and the largest of its kind in central or eastern Europe, and the popular student neighbourhood of Užupis is nestled within it.

Now, I’ve been to a lot of places, but Užupis is one of the most unique places I’ve ever visited.

(Picture: Getty)

Most major cities have their hipster areas. You know, those neighbourhoods with cool cafes, artisan bakeries, art galleries and trendy bars.

Užupis has all of those in abundance, but its quirks are rather unusual.

Modest in size, roughly 7,000 people call Užupis their home. 1,000 of those are estimated to be artists, so naturally, there’s plenty of art to explore here.

Užupis became an official independent republic on April 1, 1997. April 1 is a notable date for more than one reason, but I’ll touch more on that later.

Their independence came two years after erecting a memorial of Frank Zappa on the other side of the Old Town.

Zappa technically had no connection with Vilnius, but the memorial was deemed their first action of freedom following the declaration of independence from the Soviet Union just five years earlier.

The bust is situated in the unusual location of the side of a public medical centre car park, but is still worth seeing.

(Picture: Getty)

Užupis is full of little squares and hidden surprises.

On a casual stroll by the river opposite the ornate Russian Orthodox Cathedral, I stumbled upon an art installation called Jesus Was The First Backpacker.

Advertisement

Advertisement

I turned around to find Užupis Art Incubator just behind me, alongside a pottery studio and another gallery, all of which welcome visitors for exhibitions and workshops.

There are hundreds of art installations in Užupis – from slapstick, pop-up pieces like the above, to more prominent statues like the Angel of Užupis, which sits at the foot of a hill on a small square with a scattering of cafes and shops.

That constitution I mentioned is on mirrored plaques, mounted on a wall and in 22 languages, just a stone’s throw from the Angel.

(Picture: Getty)

Two of Užupis’s constitutional rights state that everybody has the right to be happy and a dog has the right to be a dog.

If you haven’t guessed by now, the creative quarter of Vilnius has humour at its heart.

Much like Paris, Užupis adopts a laissez-faire approach with a casual atmosphere and groups of friends enjoying themselves at quaint corner cafes.

The constitution may be satirical but the motive of inclusivity very much stands.

April 1 is a poignant date in the history of Užupis – yes, their Independence Day is also April Fool’s Day.

Each year, there’s a massive celebration for the Užupis National Day – and it’s definitely worth timing your visit to coincide with this.

(Picture: Getty)

Uzips will put up ‘borders’ on the handful of bridges over to Užupis, where you must show your passport to immigration in order to enter the Republic.

Advertisement

For one day only, Euros must also be exchanged for the official currency of Užupis (Uzis) in order to buy things in the Republic’s bars, cafes, shops and galleries.

I also went to the Republic’s Parliament bar.

While it may look like your average bar, this is actually where the constitution was written and where the government gathers most Friday evenings.

Believe it or not, this is actually where I got my passport stamped at immigration for crossing the ‘border’.

You can ask the bartender for a stamp with the date on – it doesn’t have to be April 1.

Getting lost in Užupis is just as fun.

One in every seven inhabitants is an artist, so there are tons of graffiti and art on display in places you’d least expect it.

So do pop your head into every side street, alleyway and open door – as long as it’s not somebody’s house, of course.

Other things to do while in Užupis and Vilnius Old Town:

(Picture: Getty)

For the best views of Vilnius and its Old Town, you have to clamber up the hill to Gediminas’s Tower – though maintenance is currently being carried out.

Further vantage points of the city can be found just to the west of the Tower, on the Hill of Three Crosses.

Vilnius’ Bell Tower and accompanying Cathedral are picture perfect – and you should make your way up the tower to get see the old clock and original bells. And of course, there are great views too.

There’s also the Gates of Dawn, which is the only remaining gate from the original city wall that still stands.

Dating back to the 16th century, it’s now one of Lithuania’s most important religious and historical monuments, with visitors flocking here from all over Europe to visit the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary.

Where to stay in Užupis and how to get there:

You’ll be hard pressed to find many hotels in Užupis as the area is heavily populated by students and locals.

Vilnius is quite small as a city, which means that anywhere you stay, Užupis will be within reasonable walking distance.

I stayed at Artagonist Art Hotel, a bright, boutique art hotel a five minute stroll from Užupis Respublika, the gateway to the bohemian republic.

Rooms are available on weekends for around £80 a night, but if your budget doesn’t stretch this far, there are plenty of rooms in the area from £25 a night upwards.

Most major UK airports fly to and from Vilnius, with Ryanair offering return flights departing from London Luton starting at £26.